Tips for Headache Relief

With all the chores that they do and the responsibilities that they shoulder, home caregivers may often find themselves suffering from headaches. In many cases these may be chronic — and that can make them seem never-ending.

For those home caregivers for whom a dose of aspirin isn't enough, here are some options to consider to prevent or relieve chronic head pounding.

Reduce salt. Many people consume too much salt in their diet; the typical American takes in 3 times the recommended daily allowance. Increased salt intake is associated with recurrence and severity of headaches, so eliminating excess salt may have a positive impact on headache issues for home caregivers.

Increase folic acid. Studies also indicate that folic acid (and its naturally occurring vegetable form, folate) can help prevent headaches. A folic acid supplement might be the way to go, but dietary changes can also play a role: eating spinach, broccoli, eggs, lentils, and other foods rich in folate can be a nutritious way to help ease headache pain.

Give accupuncture a try. Proponents of acupuncture believe that this ancient Chinese alternative medical treatment, in which needles are placed in specific pressure points, can have a positive effect on headache pain.

Take a hands-on approach. Body tension, not necessarily localized in the head, is a significant cause of headaches. Body massages are an excellent way to release and relieve that tension.

Stretch. Gently stretching the muscles in the neck and shoulders is another way to help release tension. Stretching exercises that do not call for excess range of movement are a good way to start.

Try yoga. Sometimes it seems like yoga is offered as the answer to all one's problems. But the range of exercises and the relaxation techniques associated with yoga do have a strong correlation with easing of pressures that cause head pain.

Ice it. Sometimes a pounding head responds well to the application of something cold. Putting an icepack to the temple area for a few minutes can provide significant relief. (If neck pain seems to be related to the headache, try putting heat on the affected area in the neck.)

Avoid triggers. Different people find that different foods "trigger" a headache; typical culprits are caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners. Identifying what foods or drinks bring about headache issues allows a person to avoid consuming too much of them.

Home caregivers have enough on their plate without having to fight through headaches as well. If the problem persists, seeing a doctor is a good idea.